Tea party opens zoo preschool education series

From left, Erie Zoo educator Amy Delpaiz introduces Benny the rabbit to Patti Zielewski, of Millcreek Township, Zielewski's great-granddaughter Jayonna Zielewski, 4, of Erie, Patti Zielewski's husband Len Zielewski, also of Millcreek Township, and the Zielewskis' great-grandson Tyrese Parker, 2, also of Erie. The visit was part of the zoo's Mad Tea Party at the zoo in Erie on March 2. The Alice in Wonderland-themed event featured crafts, songs and animal education lessons that allowed participants to see and pet various small zoo animals. ANDY COLWELL/ERIE TIMES-NEWS

For Jayonna Zielewski, 4, the biggest wonder at the Mad Tea Party at the Erie Zoo on Saturday wasn't an anxious white rabbit, but a little white mouse.

Jayonna, at the zoo with her brother, Tyrese Parker, 2, and great-grand- parents Len and Patti Zielewski, of Erie, wanted to take Minnie, the mouse, home but shook her head over Benny, a big white rabbit.

"He's too big," Jayonna said.

About a dozen children met and petted animals from "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" during the party, which was one of several special events during the zoo's 2013 opening weekend.

Events continue today during Bob Sanders Day at the Zoo. Admission will be free between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., courtesy of the former NFL star's Chasing Dreams Foundation.

Saturday's tea party was the first PreZooSchool preschool education program of the season. Each program includes crafts, stories, songs and games, plus animal visitors, like Benny and Minnie.

Darrah Wise, 6, of Erie, anticipated the arrival of a third "Alice in Wonderland" character.

She called out, "Hedgehog, hedgehog," as zoo educator Amy Dalpiaz reached into a covered cage for the animal that she said had been used as a croquet ball in the story.